COA flags ₱275M flood control projects in four Bulacan towns for irregularities

The Commission on Audit (COA has flagged P275 million worth of flood control projects in four towns in Bulacan for being either ghost, unauthorized, or suspect accomplishment data.

State auditors listed the following four projects as questionable:

• the P67 million Reinforced Concrete Flood Control Structure at Barangay Santa Monica (Purok 6 to Purok 7), Hagonoy, Bulacan built by  SYMS Construction Trading
• the P39 million Riverbank Protection Structure at Barangay Malibong Bata, Pandi, Bulacan built by SYMS Construction Trading
• the P72 million Riverbank Protection Structure (Phase IV) at Barangay San  Roque, Baliuag, Bulacan built by Wawao Builders and
• the P96 million Flood Control Structure along Angat River, Lumang Bayan  Section, Plaridel, Bulacan built by Wawao Builders

All the projects were all implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO).

“Based on physical inspections, geotagged photography, and historical satellite imagery, COA auditors uncovered several alarming patterns [namely]: ghost projects, unauthorized relocation of project sites, payments for pre-existing structures, and severe documentation deficiencies,” COA said.

“COA found no flood control or riverbank protection structures at the approved project sites, despite official documents declaring the projects completed or substantially accomplished,” COA said.

Likewise, state auditors said in several instances, the DPWH representatives led the COA personnel to project sites that did not match the locations specified in the approved bid plans and contracts, with no approved revised plans or written authority to validate the relocation.

“At some locations identified by DPWH, COA determined through satellite imagery that riverbank protection structures already existed prior to contract effectiveness, raising the possibility that public funds were used to pay for works that were not newly constructed,” COA said.

“There’s widespread absence of required documents such as as-built plans, detailed cost breakdowns, complete Statements of  Work Accomplished (SWA), and approved master plans—seriously undermining the credibility of reported accomplishments and payments made,” they added.

Those found liable for these questionable projects include the following individuals:

• Henry Alcantara
• Brice Ericson Hernandez
• Ernesto Galang
• John Michael Ramos
• Paul Jayson Duya
• Jolo Mari Tayao
• Juanito Mendoza
• Floralyn Simbulan
• Sally Santos of SYMS Construction Trading
• Jaypee Mendoza
• Niño Lawrence Morales
• Joshua Blitz Roxas
• Michelle Cruz
• Irene D.C. Ontingco
• Jefferson Buendia
• Prince Earl De Ocampo,
• Vincente Calderon, Jr.,
• Mark Allan Arevalo of Wawao Builders
• Arjay Domasig
• Sheena Bernadette Morales

“Those involved may be held liable for graft and corrupt practices under the Anti-Graft and  Corrupt Practices Act, and for malversation and falsification of documents under the Revised  Penal Code. Possible violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 were also identified,” COA said. –NB, GMA Integrated News